Looking to the stars

YOGYAKARTA: Golkar may have the upper hand when it comes to hiring expensive singers, actors and other celebrities to energize its rallies, but United Development Party (PPP) supporters refuse to throw in the towel.

At a recent rally in Yogyakarta, Golkar featured actor Rano Karno, who plays Doel in the popular television series Si Doel Anak Sekolahan (Doel Goes to School), his sister Suti Karno who plays Atun, and actor Mandra who plays his namesake in the series.

Millions of people in Indonesia and overseas know these three characters well, which Golkar exploited by unfurling banners at the rally which said: "Doel, Atun, Mandra vote for Golkar."

Local PPP supporters then erected a banner which said: "Sarah, Zaenab and Mak'nya vote for PPP."

These three characters from the series are equally famous. (38)